 |
  |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 *Sweet basil repels mosquitos. (Plant it around the patio.) |
|
 *Water rings on wood: With a damp cloth rub on toothpaste OR mayonaise. *Toothpaste is a mild abrasive and makes jewelry sparkle (use an old toothbrush and rinse). It is also a good silver polish. |
|
|
 *Baking soda puts out grease fires, can be used as an abrasive cleaner, sofens fabrics, and in a pinch you can brush your teeth with it, but don't use it on aluminum as it will attack it. Will help neutralize musty mildew odor as well as odors in the fridge. *Drain cleaner: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 gallon boiling water. Put baking soda in drain, followed by vinegar. Close drain while foaming and flush with boiling water after 15 minutes. (Put a used lemon in the water before boiling. Take out before flushing drain.) |
|
 Salt is an abrasive. For surface stains, mix with lemon juice and let it set for awhile before wiping clean. To remove grease, mix it with vinegar. I tried the latter on the stove-top after frying bacon and it really worked, and it didn't scratch. I rinsed it, dried it with paper towel, and after it was dry the vinegar didn't even smell! |
|
|
 Fels-Naptha soap rids plants of pests (aphids and mites) and is a remedy for black spot fungus in roses. It is pure soap, no detergents, treats and prevents poison ivy, oak and sumac, rids fleas and ticks from pets. It is a heavy duty laundry soap, great for pretreating stained clothing. Here is a great link for some specifics on treating poison ivy: http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=D1001&Show=ExtInfo |
|
 *Washing soda (sodium carbonate) can be used for very stubborn stains, like engine oil. It cleans clothes, softens water,cuts grease, disinfects, and boosts the cleaning power of soap. Save it for really stubborn stains because it is caustic. *All Purpose Cleaner: 1 t. borax, 1/2t. washing soda, 2T. vinegar, 1/2t. liquid castile soap, 2 c. very hot water. Put first 4 ingredients in spray bottle and slowly add water. Shake until dissolved. |
|
|
 *Herbs and essential oils can be used for disinfecting and for fragrance. *Cornstarch starches clothes, absorbs grease and oil, cleans and deodorizes carpet, and can be used in place of baby powder. *Aromatics: citrus fruits, herbs, spices, cedar, flowers, essential oils. |
|
 *Shoe Polish: Polish leather with the inside of a banana peel, then buff. *Silver Cleaner: Aluminim foil, baking soda, salt, very hot water. Combine in clean sink. Put tarnished silver in sink for a few minutes. Tarnish will disappear form silver and re-appear on foil. (This is a fun science experiment!) *Mildew remover: 1/2 c. vinegar, 1/2 c. borax, warm water. *All purpose Cleaner: 2T. borax, 1/4 c. lemon juice, 2 c. hot water. Mix in spray bottle. |
|
|
|
|